The New Move on Immigration Reform

The New Move on Immigration Reform

Faced with the stark reality that the above voting demographics are growing, many Republicans are finally realizing they desperately need to “evolve” on immigration or risk going the way of the Whigs.

However, this isn’t just a special-interest issue for minorities. It’s also a moral concern and a justice issue for all Americans. We are, after all, a nation of immigrants. As such, traditionally conservative faith leaders, along with business leaders and law enforcement, have been playing a significant role in pressuring politicians to do the right thing and support CIR.

To date, more than 150 prominent evangelical leaders have endorsed the Evangelical Statement of Principles for Immigration Reform. Signatories to that statement include Sojourners president Jim Wallis, Wheaton College president Phil Ryken, Focus on the Family president Jim Daly, prominent Southern Baptist Convention spokesperson Richard Land and many other leaders from across the political spectrum.

Younger people are another passionate constituency propelling the push for CIR forward. Polls have consistently found that those of us between the ages of 18 and 29 are very supportive of allowing undocumented immigrants to earn American citizenship. The age cohort most opposed to this is the 65-and-older crowd. Millennials are also more likely than those of older generations to personally know undocumented immigrants, and these relationships are decisive in shaping our views.